Transparent LCD Light Guide Plates with Recessed Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent display devices using LCD panels are challenging due to the need for opaque backlight assemblies and polarizing plates, which prevent the display of objects behind the panel, limiting their application and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A transparent display device is developed using a liquid crystal display panel with first and second polarizing plates, and first and second light guide plates with recessed patterns, allowing for selective operation in transparent and opaque modes by controlling light input and polarization, enabling the display of images and objects behind the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an LCD panel uses opaque backlight assemblies and polarizing plates to control light penetration, then the display can achieve high brightness and contrast ratio, but the display cannot show objects behind the panel, limiting transparent display functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light guide plate switchable between transparent and opaque states through liquid crystal material control. The light guide plate can dynamically change its light transmission properties based on voltage application, allowing the display to transition between transparent mode (showing objects behind) and opaque mode (providing high brightness backlight), thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and illumination intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the liquid crystal material's orientation through voltage changes, which alters the light polarization characteristics. By changing the electrical parameters (voltage), the system changes the optical parameters (light transmission, polarization), enabling the light guide plate to switch between transparent and opaque states while maintaining high brightness when needed
2Reliability
If polarizing plates are attached to the front and rear surfaces of the LCD panel to control light penetration, then the display achieves high contrast ratio, but the polarizing plates become opaque when liquid crystal material is not driven, preventing transparent display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a light guide plate with liquid crystal material as a mediator between the backlight and the polarizing plates. This light guide plate acts as a controllable element that can switch between transparent and opaque states, mediating the light path to enable transparent display functionality while maintaining the contrast ratio enhancement provided by the polarizing plates when needed
3Ease of manufacture
If the light guide plate has a flat surface, then the manufacturing is simple, but the light distribution and display quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating recessed patterns at specific locations on the light guide plate surface rather than making the entire surface non-flat. The recessed portions are strategically positioned to control light distribution in specific areas, improving light uniformity and display quality while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity. This localized modification allows precise control over light paths without requiring complete surface complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for improved brightness, clarity, and definition in transparent mode while maintaining standard image display in opaque mode, expanding the application of LCD panels in various fields and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal display panel that varies a phase of polarized light via liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 2
a first light guide plate including a surface having a plurality of recessed patterns, to reflect light input through a side surface of the first light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
polarizing plates for controlling the penetration of light must be attached to the front and rear surfaces of the LCD panel
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a liquid crystal display panel that varies a phase of polarized light via liquid crystal molecules, wherein second recessed patterns of a second light guide plate are directly faced with first recessed patterns of a first light guide plate to form a first empty space, and wherein first flat surfaces of the first light guide plate are directly faced with second flat surfaces of the second light guide plate to form a second empty space narrower than the first empty space.